shocktower has it right. the suspension in 1980 was an improvement over the earlier model, but they still didn't have it right. suspension is everything on this model. if you can make the rear shock work for you, it's a very competitive bike (although the it200 is light years ahead of it handling and motor wise)

if it was mine, i'd find a 43mm front end from a 81-85 (can't remember exact years..) yz250/it or bigger and throw it on there. gold valves work well in the stock or in the 43mm front end. springing the front for your weight is crucial either way - most ITs are pretty under sprung (unless you weigh 140lbs..). once you get the front end worked out, i'd concentrate on making that rear shock work. - definitely check all swingarm bearing/bushing for wear.

I had a '78 model and used it to race desert. A lot needed to be done to the suspension in order to get it to work at higher speeds but mainly stiffer shock and fork springs. I had some re-valving work completed as well, and an increase in rear shock travel. BUT, the big thing was to change the swing arm. I had one of the first ProFab's for the IT175. What a BIG difference! Could not believe how much the stock swing arm flexed until getting this mod. I also had quite a bit of porting done to the piston and barrel. It drank gas big time after that but it would haul ass. Super reliable and good bike even as a race only bike.

Yamaha was very consistant on the triple stem and you can either use the whole triple or press your stem out of your lower triple and put it in the newer lower triple (if it is longer/shorter). That should be about all you need to do. Stock bearings will work in either situation, but now would be a good time to upgrade to tapered rollers if you don't already have them (the YZ's did, but I have never played with an IT. Most of the DT's had ball bearings).

Any idea where I can pick up heavier fork springs? Yss do updated valves...will upgrade what I have and have the rear shock rebuilt to suit. What weight fork oil do you suggest and how much? I weigh 185

Any idea where I can pick up heavier fork springs? Yss do updated valves...will upgrade what I have and have the rear shock rebuilt to suit. What weight fork oil do you suggest and how much? I weigh 185